It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Joan Cecelia (Cuthbertson) Gholson, a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, great grandmother, sister and friend.  Joan passed away peacefully in Petersburg, Virginia, on November 3, 2025 at the age of 83.

Born on December 15, 1941, in New York City to the late Festus and Ethel (Brewington) Cuthbertson, Joan was the second eldest of twelve children.

After graduating from Jamaica High School, Joan began her career as a bank teller, where she met her beloved husband, Lee A. Gholson.  A lifelong learner, Joan later returned to school and earned her Bachelor's degree from Queens College and a Master's degree from Adelphi University.  During her graduate studies, she worked as a paraprofessional in an independent school in Queens where her sons attended.

Following completion of her Master's degree, Joan discovered her true calling in education.  After relocating with her family to Petersburg, Virginia, she dedicated more than 30 years to teaching in the Virginia Public School System.  She was deeply committed to her students - often going beyond the classroom to support them and their families through life's challenges.  Her compassion, diligence, and unwavering belief in every child's potential left a lasting impact on countless lives.

Joan's life was marked by her love for family and her joyful spirit.  She cherished family reunions and gatherings, and her laughter was often the heartbeat of every celebration.  The beach was her favorite retreat, where she found peace and happiness.  Her warm sense of humor and love of life were contagious to all who knew her.

In her later years, as her health declined, Joan remained steadfast in her love and devotion to her family.  Her faith in God gave her peace and strength, guiding her transition from this life to her eternal home.  She faced her final days with grace, courage, and serenity, finding comfort in her unshakable faith.

Joan was predeceased by her husband, Lee. She is lovingly remembered by her three sons, James (Tonya), Rocky (Chris-deceased), and Jeffrey (Susan-deceased); her eight grandchildren, Jeffery Jr., Janiece, Joseph (Jay), Rockelle, Jazmine, Joel, Michayla and Jamaiya.  As well as her seven great grandchildren.  Joan's six siblings will sorely miss her, Festus Cuthbertson (Julie), Ronnie Cuthbertson (Margie), Clarence  Cuthbertson (Renee-deceased), Jacquelin (Stanley-deceased), Deborah Cuthbertson, and Michael Cuthbertson (Carmen). She also leaves behind a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends who will miss her dearly. Joan was preceded in death by her siblings, Joyce Parks (Jimmy), Florence Cuthbertson, William Cuthbertson (Liz), Paul Cuthberson, and Sean Cuthbertson.

We will miss her deeply but take solace in knowing that she is free from pain and reunited with loved ones in Heaven.  Her legacy of love, kindness and laughter will live on forever in the hearts of those she touched.

Services will be held 11:00 A.M., Friday, November 14, 2025, at Olive Branch Baptist Church, 11119 Boydton Plank Road, Dinwiddie, VA, the Rev. Dr. Kevin M. Northam, Pastor, eulogist. The interment to follow at the church cemetery.

A wake will be held from 7:00 P.M. to 8:00 P.M., Thursday, November 13, 2025, at the funeral establishment.

J.M. Wilkerson Funeral Establishment, Inc., 102 South Avenue, Petersburg, VA, (804) 732-8911, watch the funeral services live online at www.jmwilkersonsince1874.com.